Bill > HCR160

This concurrent resolution urges the Peace Corps to immediately reestablish a mission in the Marshall Islands, drawing attention to the complex historical and current challenges faced by the nation. The resolution highlights several key contextual factors, including the 1983 Compact of Free Association between the United States and the Marshall Islands, the significant economic dependence on U.S. payments, and the devastating impacts of historical nuclear testing that have led to health issues and environmental degradation. Noting low educational attainment (only 43% of people over 25 have completed high school) and critical food security challenges (90% of food is imported, with 80% being processed foods leading to high obesity and diabetes rates), the resolution calls for the Peace Corps to not only return to the Marshall Islands (after previously serving from 1966-1996) but also to coordinate humanitarian efforts with multiple agencies including the U.S. Department of Defense, the State of Hawaii, the United Nations, and the Red Cross. The resolution seeks to address economic relief and food security in the region, and directs certified copies to be sent to key governmental and international leadership, including the Marshall Islands Minister of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

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https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HCR&billnumber=160&year=2025